Hypnosis as a legitimate therapy can help consumption of alcohol consumption, say experts

Although some people can be skeptical about hypnosis, experts say that it is a legitimate therapy that can help with a range of physical and mental challenges – including, perhaps, alcohol consumption disorder.

Clinical hypnosis has proven to be effective in the treatment of pain, anxiety, stress, side effects of cancer treatment, phobias and habits control problems, such as smoking and weight control, according to past randomized controlled trials.

“Hypnosis is the oldest western form of psychotherapy, but it is underused,” California’s Stanford School in California, Dr. David Spiegel, president of Stanford University School of Medicine and a leading authority in the field of hypnosis in the field of hypnosis, told Fox News Digital School.

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What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not itself considered to be therapy. Rather, it improves other treatments by inducing an increased state of concentration while reducing peripheral consciousness, according to experts.

The practice aims to put people in a state of deep relaxation so that they can learn more easily.

Hypnosis is not itself considered to be therapy. Instead, it improves other treatments by inducing an increased state of concentration while reducing peripheral consciousness, according to experts. (istock)

Shawn Criswell, Ph.D., a mental advisor practicing in Oregon, defines him as “a sweet way to focus on people towards new ideas and perspectives that can help improve their life”.

Criswell added: “This does it partly by connecting them with their strengths and resources, empowering them in the process and directly contradicting the old tired myth only in hypnosis, you will abandon control of yourself.” He co-written, with Michael Yapko, PH.D, the latest edition of “TranceWork: an Introduction to the Practice of Clinic Hypnosis”.

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Previous research suggests that hypnosis can change brain activity linked to attention and consciousness.

“Brain activation models during hypnosis – as for color, pain and sound – are similar to those observed during real experiences,” Dr. Ryan Sultan, a doctor in New York -Presbyterian Hospital and director of the Mental Health Laboratory of the Mental Health of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

“Hypnosis is the oldest western form of psychotherapy, but it is underused,” said an expert at Fox News Digital. (istock)

Some people may choose to practice self-hypnosis, which they have described as the process of entering a trance state without the advice of a hypnotist.

Sultan compared it to the entrance to a “controlled and simplified state” in which people can be more open to certain ideas and therapeutic suggestions.

“I had patients stopped to drink by focusing on respect and protection of their bodies.”

But the effects can be short-lived, he noted, and some people may find it difficult to maintain the hypnotic state without external signals.

The treatment technique was approved by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. To maximize its safety and efficiency, the sultan recommended hypnosis by a qualified professional.

Can hypnosis cure alcohol dependence?

Hypnosis can help support people with alcohol consumption problems by encouraging motivation, reducing desires and helping to manage stress, according to Dr. Lama Bazzi, psychiatrist in private practice in New York.

However, the expert pointed out that hypnosis is not an autonomous remedy for problematic consumption. Instead, this is part of a complete treatment plan which includes targeted cognitive behavioral therapy, psychiatric support and targeted drugs if necessary.

Hypnosis can help support people with alcohol consumption problems by encouraging motivation, reducing desires and helping to manage stress, said a psychiatrist. (istock)

“There is less evidence on alcohol problems, but I had patients stopped to drink by focusing on respect and protection of their bodies,” noted Spiegel.

“One of my patients has thought of this concept in hypnosis and said:” You mean, the body is the temple of the soul? “” He added.

Risks and regulations

Hypnotherapy has little risk, according to Spiegel.

“The worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t always work,” he told Fox News Digital.

“It is preferable to request care from a psychiatrist or a psychologist having a training specialized in clinical hypnosis.”

The light side effects possible include dizziness and emotional release. There is also a risk of false memories if it is used for recalling memory, warned the sultan.

Therapy is also not recommended for people with a serious mental illness, such as psychosis, according to experts.

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Mayo Clinic also notes that side effects are rare, but that some people may experience anxiety, drowsiness, headache and nausea.

“It is preferable to request care from a psychiatrist or a psychologist with training specializing in clinical hypnosis,” Bazzi told Fox News Digital.

About 28 million Americans aged 18 and over live with an alcohol consumption disorder, according to 2023 estimates of the national survey on drug use and health. (istock)

“These professionals can objectively assess your sensitivity to hypnosis, determine if it is an appropriate and potentially effective intervention for your specific concerns and develop a complete multimodal plan adapted to your needs,” she added.

For those looking for a hypnotist, experts recommend visiting the websites of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, both of which have expertise and often certification in practice.

Alcohol consumption disorder warning signs

According to 2023 American estimates aged 18 and over live with alcohol consumption problems, according to 2023 estimates of the national survey on drug use and health.

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People can drink excessively if they consume enough alcohol in a single session to increase their blood alcohol levels to more than 0.08, or if they drink more than a number of drinks in one week, according to experts.

Those who believe they have a problem of alcohol dependence and are interested in looking for alternative therapies should contact their doctor for recommendations. (istock)

This is generally equivalent to women with four or more drinks or men consuming five or more drinks at the same time – or a weekly quantity of eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men, depending on the centers for disease control and prevention.

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The signs of an alcohol problem include loss of control during alcohol consumption, to continue to drink despite the unwanted consequences and to feel compulsive desires when they do not drink – often called “three C.”.

Those who think they have a problem of alcohol dependence and are interested in looking for alternative therapies should contact their doctor for recommendations.